Printing-machine.



LE ROY P. DRAKE 61: C. E. GANN.

PRINTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED DEO.13, 1913.

Patented Jan. 12, 1915.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1;

W/T/VESSfS 115 1 11111 THE NORRIS PETERS Co, PHDTO-IJTHU- WASHING"!!! D. C

LE ROY P. DRAKE & C. E. CANN. PRINTING moms.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 13, 191,3. 1,124,309. Patented Jan. 12, 1915.

4 QHEBTS-SHEETZ,

LE ROY P. DRAKE & 0. B. GANN. PRINTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 18. 1913.

l 1 24:,309. Patented Jan. 12, 1915.

4 SHEETSSHEET 3.

THE NORRIS PETERS 60.. PHOTO-LITHUV, \VASHING font. 0, c

LE ROY P. DRAKE & O. E. OANN.

PRINTING MACHINE.

I APPLICATION FILED DEC. 13, 1913. 1,124,309, 7 Patented Jan. 12, 1915.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

"lily Mi iuiliz M:

THE NORRIS PETERS c0 PHulU LIIHUH WASHINGION D. c.

LE ROY PARKER DRAKE AND CHARLES EDWYN CANN, OF LONDON, ENGLAND.

' PRINTING-MACHINE.

Application filed December 13, 1913.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, Ln ROY PARKER DRAKE, a citizen of the United States of America, and Crmnnns EDWYN CANN, a subject of the King of England, both residing at London, in England, have invented a certain new and useful Printing-Machine, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to printing machines of the kind in which a block or equivalent, after being in contact with an inking pad, is moved into contact with the surface which is to receive the imprint.

The object of this invention is to provide a machine whereby circulars, letters, certificates or other documents or printed matter can have one or more signatures rapidly appended thereto at the correct place and automatically blotted in a single operation, such signatures being indistinguishable from those written with a penin ordinary writing ink.

According to this invention the constructional details of the printing and inking mechanism are improved in the manner hereafter described and a blotting device is provided which is passed over or otherwise brought into contact with the printed surface as soon as the block moves out of contact therewith, the blotterdevice being op erated by the block-actuating mechanism, which enables the machine to be worked at a high rate of speed.

A fluid ink is preferably used when facsimile signatures or the like are to be reproduced and as a result an inking pad of the type which is fed by gravity from a reservoir is conveniently employed. In a preferred construction the reservoir or chamber is in the form of a tray connected to the main casting of the machine which is made hollow to admit of the introduction of the ink. The tray is preferably filled with some suitable absorbent material and communicates through perforations in its walls with an inking pad or plush or some other suitable fabric. The printing surface of the block is conveniently formed of rub ber, celluloid or like resilient material when signatures are to be reproduced, though type or other metal may be employed in some instances if desired. Preferably the block is detachably mounted on a suitable bed or carrier which is reciprocated within vertical standards, some known form of cam mechanism being employed to move the Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 12, 1915.

Serial No. 806,556.

block away from the inking pad and turn it i making contact with the inking pad when the machine is not in use.

To insure the block printing upon the desired part of the paper or work supported by the table, the latter may have adjustable guides or stops or the whole table may be adjustable relatively to the printing block and its supporting standards.

The blotting device, in the preferred con struction, comprises one or more rollers covered with or formed of suitable ink-absorbing material and positively connected to the block-operating mechanism in such a way as to pass over and blot the impression printed by the block as soon as the latter leaves the work.

The actuating lever for the block or some other part of the operating mechanism is preferably provided with a removable bolt or pin which can be retained in place to prevent unauthorized use of the machine by a lock or padlock, a counter, if desired, being also connected with the block in some known manner as a further security and to act as a check upon the number of documents printed by the machine.

In the accompanying drawings which show one form of machine constructed in accordance with this invention, Figure 1 is a side elevation. Fig. 2 is an end elevation. Fig. 3 is'a, plan, and Fig. 4 is a central sectional side elevation.

In the construction illustrated the main casting comprises a bed or under-table A provided with a yoke A connecting vertical members A one of which constitutes a standard being connected to the bed, while the other stops short of the latter within a suitable distance thereof to allow the intro duction of the work and adjustment of its supporting table B which is mounted on the bed. On its underside the table is provided with a rib or batten B provided with an undercut groove in which is disposed the head B of a locking bolt, the shank of this bolt being screw-threaded and operated by a lever 13 the device enabling the work-table to be moved relatively to the bed and secured in its adj ustedposition. Stops 15 for the work are conveniently provided at each end of the table B.

Formed on one side of the vertical members A are bearings for an operating shaft C, this shaft being keyed to arms or levers C and having an actuating lever or handle C The shaft C is controlled by a spring 0 preferably coiled within the boss of the operating handle C this spring tending to maintain the operating lever, the shaft C and arms C in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Pivotally mounted to the ends of the arms C is a support or carriage D for the printing block F or its equivalent this block being connected to a base member F which is secured to the carriage D in some adjustable and detachable manner, for instance by means of screws D which tend to draw the block down on to the carriage and other screws D by which the block can be forced away from the carriage thus providing means for the necessary adjustment of the block on its support.

The support D for the block F is pivotally connected to the outer ends of the arms 0 on trunnions D D*, the outer end of the trunnion D being provided with a slide G which is reciprocated in parallel guides G formed on the inner surface of its respective vertical member A when the operating handle is actuated. A nut or collar G is connected to the end of the trunnion D which projects through a vertical slot in the standard. A slide G is also loose on the trunnion D similar guides G being formed on the inner wall of the other standards A The reversal or turning over of the block is effected by means of a toothed cam H (Fig. l) of known construction keyed to the end of the trunnion D of the block carrier, this cam engaging pins H projecting from the inner wall of a plate A secured to the face i of the standard A the outer end of the trunnion D extending through a vertical guide or slot in the standard A and also having keyed thereto an additional slide H the guides H of which are mutilated or cut away, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. l, to permit of the slide H turning over with the block in the known manner.

In the construction shown the inking surface comprises a piece of plush or other such fabric J connected by clamping plates J and screws J or in some other convenient manner to the lower perforated wall K of the ink reservoir K which, in the present instance, comprises a tray closing the base of the central portion of the yoke A. The tray K contains some absorbent material (not shown) and the fluid ink is introduced through two or more apertures K in the yoke normally closed by a cover K which is kept in place by a milled headed screw K When the machine is in use the printing surface of the block K is normally in contact with the inking pad J, the spring C maintaining thesemembers in contact.

To determine the pressure between the printing surface of the block and the inking pad, an adjustable stop is provided, this stop, in the example illustrated, comprising a set-screw or the like L which passes through an extension or lug L formed on the main casting and bears against a toe or extension C formed on the boss of the operating spindle. The set-screw is conveniently provided with a lock nut L to maintain the correct adjustment and it will be seen that by adjusting the screw, the upward movement of the block under the action of the spring O and therefore the degree of pressure between the block and the inking pad can be adjusted. Any other known means for determining this degree of pressure may be employed if desired.

The bearing block or slide G on the trunnion D is shown as having a slotted lug or extension D secured to the upper surface thereof through which a bolt or other locking member D can be passed through suitable apertures formed in the standard A when the block occupies a position just out of contact with the inking pad J. One end of the bolt D is slotted to receive a padlock D the padlock being shown by dotted lines in Fig. 2 since the bolt cannot be introduced and the padlock applied until the block has been moved downward out of contact'with the inking surface. When the bolt is inserted and the padlock applied the apparatus is secure against unauthorized use.

The blotting device, more particularly illustrated in Fig. i, comprises a blotting roller M mounted on trunnions to the ends of links N which are pivotally connected to extensions 0 of cam members 0. The cams O are suspended from pivots O and occupy a position parallel to and between the standards A The cams are provided with a cam groove or slot which is engaged by the trunnions D D of the blocksupporting member, the cams being extended as shown in Fig. 4 to clear the operating spindle O, and the links N supporting the blotting roller, being pivotally connected to the cam extensions 0 by a transverse rod N. v i

The ends of the links N remote from the roller are connected by a U-shaped strip N the ends of which are secured to the links by rivets N and a stretcher or distance rod N serves to stiflen the roller-carrying members and also constitutes a guide or indicator of the longitudinal center line of the impression of the printing block on the work.

Formed integral with the ends of the links N are heel-pieces P which bear against the operating shaft when the block occupies its normal position (Fig. 4) and the roller M is thus raised out of contact with the work on the table, with the parts in this position. A. spring finger on one of the links N, which has its end slotted instead of being perforated to receive the trunnion ofthe roller, enables the latter to be withdrawn and replaced when renewal or repair is necessary. Surrounding the shaft N are two coil springs. R, each of which has one end secured to the rod and the other end engaged by the connecting strip N these springs tending to depress the roller on to the. paper as soon as the heel-pieces P move out of engagement with the operating shaft C.

The machine operates as follows: The work is placed upon the table B which is adjusted so that the longitudinal center of the space on which the block is to print, lies below the indicating rod N The operating handle 0 is then actuated whereupon the block, previously in contact with the inking pad J is turned over the brought down upon the work, the trunnions of the block carriage I) simultaneously swinging the cams 0 about their pivots O and thereby carrying the blotting roller M from left to right (Fig. 4). As soon as the cams O and links N are swung in the manner described, the roller M comes into contact with the paper or other work, since the tension of the spring It is no longer overcome by the heel-pieces P engaging the shaft 0. By the time the block is in contact with the work the blotting roller is swung to the right, as in Fig. 4, clear of the block. As soon as the upward movement of the block begins, the blotting roller M returns and is forced by this spring R into contact with the paper so that it passes over the imprint before returning to the position shown in Fig. 4 clear of the work. The degree of contact between the block and inking pad is determined as already described by means of the set-screw L, and to operate the machine it is therefore only necessary to turn the operating lever C in a counter-clockwise direction until the block is in contact with the paper, when the coil spring C will return the block and blotting roller to the position illustrated in Fig. 4. Thoughone blotting roller only is shown, two or more may be employed if desired, in some cases means being provided to feed an endless band of blotting paper over such rollers say, in cases where a block of large dimensions is employed. Further, any form of connection between the blotter and the block or its operating mechanism may be provided which will insure the printing and blotting taking place in quick succession by a single manipulation of the main operating handle or its equivalent. If desired some automatic feeding mechanism or delivery roller may be connected to the actuating mechanism to convey into a collecting basket or other receptacle the sheet which has been printed and blotted.

What we claim as our invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In a printing machine, the combination of a frame, a printing block mounted there in, inking means for said block, mechanism for moving the printing block relatively to the frame into contact with the inking means and on to the surface which is to re ceive the imprint, a blotter, and means operated by the block-actuating mechanism for bringing the blotter into contact with the imprint.

52. In a printing machine the combination of a reservoir for liquid ink, an inking surface supplied by gravity from said reservoir, a printing block, means for alternately moving the block into contact with the inking surface and into the printing position and a blotter actuated by the block-operating means adapted to make contact with the printed surface.

3. In a printing machine the combination of a reservoir for liquid ink, an inking surface supplied by gravity from said reservoir, a printing block, mechanism for alternately moving the block into contact with the inking surface and into the printing position, adjustable mechanism for controlling the degree of pressure between the block and the inking surface and a blotting device actuated by the block-operating mechanism adapted to make contact with the printed surface.

4:- In a printing machine the combination of a printing block, a reservoir for liquid ink, an inking surface supplied by gravity from said reservoir, mechanism for alternately moving the printing block into contact with the inking surface and into the printing position, an operating shaft for said mechanism and a blotter actuated from said shaft adapted to make contact with the printed surface as the block leaves the same.

5. In a printing machine, the combination of a frame, a printing block mounted within said frame, means for inking said block, mechanism for moving the block relatively to the frame into contact with the inking means and with the surface to receive the imprint, an operating sliaft for said mecha nism, and a blotting roller operated from said shaft adapted to be passed over the printed surface after the block leaves the same.

6. In a printing machine the combination of an inking pad, a printing block normally in contact with said pad, mechanism adapted to turn over the block and bring it down upon the surface which is to receive the imprint, an operating shaft for said mechanism and blotting mechanism actuated by said shaft adapted to make contact with the printed surface after the block leaves the same.

7. In a printing machine the combination of a reservoir for liquid ink, an .inking pad supplied by gravity from said reservoir, a printing block normally in contact with said pad, mechanism for turning over the block and bringing it down upon the surface which is to receive the imprint, means for regulating the degree of pressure between the block and the inking pad and a blotter actuated by the block-operating mechanism adapted to make contact with the printed surface as the block leaves the same.

8. In a printing machine, the combination of a frame, a printing block mounted Within said frame, inking means therefor, an adjustable wor'k supporting table connected to the frame, an operatingshaft for bringing the block down on to the work, and blotting means actuated from said shaft adapted to make contact with the work on the table after the block leaves said work.

9. In a printing machine, the combination of a frame, a reservoir for liquid ink, an

inking surface supplied by gravity from said reservoir, a printing block, an adjustable work-supporting table carried by the frame, means for alternately moving the block into contact with the inking surface and with the work on the table and a blotter actuated by the block-operating means adapted to make contact with the work on the table after the block leaves said work.

10. In a printing machine the combination of a printing block, inking means there for, mechanism for bringing the printing block upon the surface which is to receive the imprint, a blotting roller, arms carrying said roller and cams connected to said arms actuated by the block-operating mechanism to pass the roller over the imprint after the block leaves the latter.

11. In a printing machine the combination of a printing block, a reservoir for liquid ink, an inking surface supplied by gravity from said reservoir, mechanism for alternately moving the printing block into contact with the inking surface and into the operating position, an operating shaft for said mechanism, a blotting roller, arms supporting said roller and pivoted cams connected to said arms actuated by the blockoperating mechanism to pass the blotting roller over the imprint as soon as the block leaves the latter.

12. In a printing machine the combination of an inking pad, a printing block normally in contact with said pad, mechanism adapted to turn over the block and bring it down upon the surface which is to receive the imprint, pivoted cams cooperating with said block-actuating mechanism, arms secured to said cams, a blotting roller removably connected to the arms actuated by the cams to pass over the imprint as soon as the block leaves the latter and means carried by said arms to indicate the position where the block will print.

13. In a printing machine, the c0mbination of a frame, a reservoir for liquid ink carried thereby, an inking pad supplied by gravity from said reservoir, a printing block normally in contact with said pad, an adjustable work-supporting table connected to said frame, mechanism for turning over the block and bringing it down upon the work on the table, means for regulating the degree of pressure between the block and the pad, pivoted cams cooperating with the block-actuating mechanism, arms carried by said cams, a blotting roller removably connected to said arms adapted to be passed over the imprint by the cams as soon as the block leaves the latter and means'carried by said arms to indicate the position on the work where the block will print.

In testimony whereof we have signed our names to this specification in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

LE ROY PARKER DRAKE. CHARLES EDWYN CANN.

Witnesses:

MAURICE STROKE, Vroron ARTHUR BOORMAN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. G." 

